CasaSugar

Roundup: Polka Dots

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:30:24 -0800

Since you adored the polka dot credenza I shared with you a while back, I figured that circles might still be on your must-have list. Polka dots experienced a huge surge in popularity in the '50s and '60s, and they're back on the home design map. Whether in a subtle pattern or a big and bold circular explosion, polka dots can rule your roost without overstaying their welcome. Check out my favorites below.

Crave Worthy: Lum A Little Bubbly Anyone? Lamp

CasaSugar — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:00:36 -0700

OK, OK. My attention to monochrome design may have gotten a little out of hand lately, but I promise you it will eventually fade. And, even if you don't subscribe to monochrome living, you should still appreciate the beauty of a black and white lamp like the Lum A Little Bubbly Anyone? Lamp ($1,700). The vintage ceramic lamps have little bubbles with matching finials that remind me of candy buttons; who can argue with that? They also seem really adaptable. You can use them in a stiff, sophisticated interior, perhaps set on matching nightstands. Or, you can play them up a bit in a room full of circles. What do you think?

How-To: Coordinate Beyond Color

CasaSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:45:00 -0700

An easy way to dress a room is by coordinating it in complementary colors. However, color is only one way to add style to a room. Take a look at this room, which was styled by interior stylist Tara Larkin.
Notice anything in particular? Maybe a distinctive shape on the walls? Wait - aren't those circles on the throw pillows? And in the pottery and bowls? Before you know it, you're seeing spheres everywhere. The great thing about using shapes as a coordinating element in a room is that it's an unexpected accent, and one that doesn't scream "matchy-matchy." Do you coordinate with shapes in your home?
Source

Trend Alert: Circles

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:17:44 -0700

Crop circles. Social circles. Coming full circle. Circle of life. Circle of friends. Circles are certainly not a new concept to anyone, but there are some exceptional new designs which incorporate them in the world of interiors. The circle is represented in both shapes and patterns. It is flat or textured. It is light and airy, or heavy and imposing. It comes in all sizes and colors, and often in metallics. It's on your wall, your floor, your table, your bed, and maybe you're even sitting on it. Regardless of where it is, it's certainly a trend in home decor, so get your hands on one—don't be a square.

Source, Source, Source, Source, and Source.

Etsy Finds: Holiday Gifts For Crafty Babies

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:00:18 -0800

Is there a new bouncing baby boy or girl in your family or circle of friends this holiday season? See what fun nursery ideas Etsy has to offer for the bundle of joy!

View Slideshow ›

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:37 -0800

Danny Seo made a visit to the new Crosby Street Hotel. - Daily Danny
This DIY button lighting has me looking for my sewing kit already. - AT:NY
Learn to make this cute felt circles ornament. - Craftzine
Crow over this farm-chic decorating. - Shelterpop
Find some new tree ornaments to love, and hang. - Poppytalk
I adore these faucet handles used on kitchen cabinets. - Shelterrific

Steal of the Day: Painted Circle Crewel Round Pillow

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:00:36 -0700

Crewelwork is a decorative form of surface embroidery that uses wool and a variety of different embroidery stitches, and dates back at least one thousand years. But, the technique was trendy in the '90s (think granny tapestry), and has been "out" for at least ten years now. When I spotted this Urban Outfitters Painted Circle Crewel Round Pillow ($25, reduced from $38), I was impressed with the modern use of crewelwork in bright colors, dashes, and organic circles. On the other hand, I was not surprised. Leave it to Urban Outfitters to be ironic in every way possible.

Trend Alert: Asterisks

CasaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:00:02 -0700

It might seem odd that a shape could be trendy, but hearts, quatrefoil, teardrops, and circles have all made an appearance on these pages in the past. The latest in the group is the asterisk. In this Australian home, the magenta asterisk is far from subtle, but the star-like shape is popping up in more understated forms and equally bold ones as well. From ottomans to bookends and coasters to throw pillows, the asterisk is shaping up to be a very popular trend. See proof when you read more.

Crave Worthy: Psychedelic Circles Backgammon Set

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:30:07 -0800

I’m going to cross my fingers here and just hope that a certain ex of mine isn’t reading. Two weeks holed up in a boring town with my boyfriend’s parents and - pulling my hair out not in the cards - the only activity that helped me pass time with his ‘rents was a competitive game of backgammon. Before Scrabulous and Facebook stalking, some people actually did entertain themselves with classic games, and lucky for me, I happened to be a wiz. Nevertheless, I’ve since come to find an unparalleled brand of inter-generational bonding power in such timeless recreations and have vowed to always keep one handy. Finances aside, the Barneys Handmade Psychedelic Lacquered Wood Backgammon ($795) may just be The One: its trippy hand-painting recalls my elders' Haight-Ashbury days and its lacquered wood frame is slick enough for my modern pad. If that won't do the trick, I don't know what will.

Ask Casa: Books on Spanish Colonial Architecture

CasaSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:00:58 -0700

Hello Casa,

My dream is to buy or build a Spanish Colonial home for myself one day. I was wondering if you could recommend some books on this architectural style for me. Some coffee table books would be fine, or something on the construction of the homes too and interior design . . . anything at all I would greatly appreciate. I also remember that you wrote a post about Reese Witherspoon and that her new house was a Spanish Colonial. That house was absolutely lovely too. Thank you in advance!

Always, PeachyKeen19
To hear my suggestions for PeachyKeen19, read more.

Hi PeachyKeen,

Thanks for thinking of me! I'm with you on this one; Spanish Colonial is one of my favorite styles of residential architecture as well. This is especially true of homes with original architectural details. There are a few books I think might be right up your alley.

Haciendas ($34.95) by Linda Leigh Paul, from Rizzoli Press (one of my favorites), highlights the interiors and exteriors of 25 Spanish Colonial homes, both traditional and modern, in Mexico and the US, and will give you a broad overview of the style. This book is quite photography-heavy, with 250 rich photos, but I think this is key for understanding the architectural elements. It also gives a great historical background on the style, with information on the hacienda's origin as homes for Spanish nobility, up to newer styles today throughout the US.
Spanish-Colonial Architecture in the United States ($16.95) by Rexford Newcomb traces Spanish architecture throughout the US, including Florida, the Gulf Coast, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. This book is a must-have reference, much more text-heavy than the former, although it is illustrated with 195 photographs and 50 measured drawings. Newcomb is a distinguished architectural historian who's written several books on various styles of architecture. This book is well-documented (no fluff here), and offers a range of perspective views, detailed close-ups, measured front elevations, and floor plans to get down to the grit of the style.
Another title out of Rizzoli Press, California Romantica: Spanish Colonial and Mission-Style Houses ($40.95) is co-authored by actress Diane Keaton and LA-native D.J. Waldie. In architectural circles, Diane Keaton is praised for her preservation of historic California homes, and considered a committed preservationist. California is basically the hub of Spanish Colonial architecture in the US, so this is a must-read even if you plan to live elsewhere. The book features residential examples of both California Mission and Spanish Colonial styles, and introduces you to influential architects like George Washington Smith, Wallace Neff, Richard Requa, Lilian Rice, and Paul R. Williams.

Beyond that, with her cinematic eye, Keaton made a point to specially commission the photography for this book, so the photos alone are must-see. The book also gives you a tour of Keaton's own Spanish-style home, which I've actually written about before.

Hope that helps! And good luck finding your dream home.

Cheers,
Casa

Source

Zooey Mini Chandelier by Perch! - $480.00	CLOSEOUT! Montreal Accent Chair - $749.00
Ditsy Dot Bowls - $48.00	Crewel Dot Pillow - $49.00
DwellStudio Dots Wall Art in Lemon - $84.00	Barrymore Deco Dot Sheeting - $99.99
Radius Pillow - $49.95	"Circles" Chandelier - $1,880.00
Polka Dot Rug - Red - $599.00	Missoni Home - farfalle & pois cushions by missoni home - $143.00
Circles Cabinet - $2,159.00	Cirque Table - $129.00